“Australian youths are increasingly reverting to the comforts of their parental homes, a trend showing little sign of slowing down,” according to a new report published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).
More than ever before, individuals in their late teens and early twenties, particularly males, are postponing their move from the family home. Over half (51%) of young men in their early twenties were still living with their parents in 2021, marking a considerable increase from the 46% recorded in 2006.
Young women were not immune to this trend either, with 43% aged 20-24 living with their parents in 2021, compared to the 36% recorded in 2006.
The largest spike was seen amongst 19-year-olds with 72% choosing to stay home in 2021, a significant 9% leap from 2006.
Dr Lixia Qu, the co-author of the report from AIFS, suggests that this escalating trend, most prominent during the 2016 to 2021 period, could be attributed to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dearth of affordable housing, or a combination of both.
In terms of income, the study outlined a clear association between lower earning potential and the propensity to continue residing with parents. Young men aged between 20 and 24 living at home were nearly twice as likely to have a personal income below $16,000 per annum, compared to those living independently (28% versus 15%).
For those aged between 25 and 29 and living with parents, 37% had an income under $34,000 annually, whereas only 17% of those living away from their parents fell in the same income bracket.
Whilst living with parents may provide a safety net for many young adults, Dr Rae Kaspiew, AIFS Research Director, warns that the trend could also bear unintended consequences. The transition from the parental home to independent living is a significant step in maturing into adulthood. When this is delayed, it can strain parent-child relationships and increase household conflict. Divergent views on lifestyles, along with external pressures, such as saving for a house deposit, can escalate tensions.
Dr Kaspiew emphasises the need for policymakers and communities to understand and address the rising prevalence of this living arrangement, advocating for strong mental health services, and other required resources.
The report also indicates a trend among Australian-born men and women of diverse cultural backgrounds, such as Asia, Middle East, North Africa, and Southern and Eastern Europe, to live with their parents for an extended period. This pattern was also more common among young individuals with disabilities and those identifying as non-Indigenous.
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AIFS report reveals an increasing number of Australian #youths, particularly males, choosing to stay with their parents, possibly influenced by the aftermath of #COVID19 & housing affordability challenges. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/Gl9WacEzPY
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